Phillip Island according to Pierre Alves, Michelin Tyre Technician for the Camel Yamaha Team

Valentino Rossi speaking with Michelin Technician Pierre Alves at Sachsenring. © Camel Yamaha Team. Phillip Island demands far more than just a fast bike to make for quick and consistent lap times. The sweeping and flowing circuit is possibly one of the ultimate tests of machine control and throttle accuracy, not to mention the sheer bravery and forcefulness required of the rider. Its exposed location on the cliffs facing the Bass Strait means that weather is a constant talking point, especially this year, when tyre choice will be a crucial consideration.

Pierre Alves, Michelin Tyre Technician for the Camel Yamaha Team explains: “It's going to be a big change from what we're used to at Phillip Island because we've never been there at this time of year and we're expecting it to be very cold! Generally for Phillip Island you need a tyre that's quite hard on the left side and much softer, but not too soft, on the right side. Because of the temperature it's going to be much harder than usual to find the right combination and balance for the track, as tyre efficiency will be reduced with such a low track temperature."

“Usually we have quite a good base to work from at Phillip Island, because we test there, but this year we didn't so we don't know so much about how the new M1 will go there. However the biggest factor, as far as tyres go, is the weather; it's quite difficult because we've really never faced a situation like this! It's certainly going to be one of the most challenging, and interesting, races of the year for us!”
(Camel Yamaha Team)

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